Miami Gardens will develop despite detractors, mayor says in address

In his fourth State of the City address, Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert’s message focused on the city’s change from a series of scattered communities and neighborhoods in northern Miami-Dade County to a city that has a goal of developing and attracting business.

Much of Tuesday night’s speech, outside Miami Gardens City Hall, centered on the city’s moves to assert its governing authority and have greater say in its own economic development.

“Our thinking was simple: We will not fight you with our right hand while we feed you with our left,” Gilbert said.

He also mentioned the city’s latest move to obtain building and zoning rights at the Miami Dolphins’ stadium. Residents will vote on a city charter change Aug. 30 that would give the city and the county joint control over the stadium and surrounding property.

We are the third-largest city in the county and the largest predominately black city in the state — we need a city center. We need a place where we can shop, eat, entertain and recreate.

Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert

The Northwest 27th Avenue corridor that leads to the stadium will also see more new business in the next few years. Gilbert discussed the coming Wawa convenience store and plans to bring in stores like Marshalls and Burlington Coat Factory at the existing Carol Mart shopping plaza, 18200 NW 27th Ave.

“We are the third-largest city in the county and the largest predominately black city in the state. We need a city center,” Gilbert said. “We need a place where we can shop, eat, entertain and recreate.”

The address also touched on the city’s plans to hire 10 new police officers by the end of year and on programs like Coffee with a Cop and the Peace in the Gardens festival that have tried to bridge the gap between police and the community.

“Children shouldn’t grow up being afraid of police. They should grow up knowing they are partners with the police,” Gilbert said.

And while homicides remain an issue in the city, with 18 in 2015 and five so far this year, there has been a reduction in violent crimes like aggravated assault and nonviolent crimes like burglary and larceny.

Children shouldn’t grow up being afraid of police. They should grow up knowing they are partners with the police.

Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert

Gilbert said that reaching out to children from a young age is important. He also mentioned the city’s partnerships with diversion programs as a way to give troubled kids another chance.

“Sometimes a hand up is better than a handcuff when it comes to providing for community safety,” Gilbert said.

“We will do it as right as we can as fast as we can but we will never sacrifice the success that comes from deliberate planning for the appearance of success that comes with a rushed ribbon cutting or a rushed groundbreaking,” Gilbert said.

As Gilbert concluded his speech, he addressed critics of Miami Gardens and said they will ultimately be overshadowed by the city’s accomplishments.

“They’re going to be the subtext to a footnote of the greatness that is our story,” Gilbert said.